HT Correspondent
TAWANG, Oct 23: A motorcycle rally from the historic Tawang War Memorial to Bumla Pass was organised on Wednesday as a stirring tribute to the martyrs of the 1962 Indo-Sino War.
The event, held on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas of Param Vir Chakra awardee Subedar Joginder Singh, marked the first-ever such homage dedicated to his memory.
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The initiative was spearheaded by MLA Tawang Namgey Tsering on behalf of the people of Tawang, in collaboration with the District Administration, Tawang, and the Tawang Brigade of the Indian Army.
The rally was jointly flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, and the Deputy Commander, Tawang Brigade, from the Tawang War Memorial. MLA Namgey Tsering himself led the group of riders on motorcycles, traversing the treacherous route from Tawang to Bumla Pass—situated at an altitude of 15,200 feet—and back.
Before the rally commenced, MLA Namgey Tsering laid a wreath at the Tawang War Memorial and offered floral tributes at the memorial dedicated to Subedar Joginder Singh, PVC.
On their way to Bumla, the participants halted at Tongpen La, where a solemn homage was paid to the fallen hero.
The ceremony featured a Guard of Honour by the Bumla Battalion of the Indian Army.
Addressing the gathering of participants, tourists, and Army personnel at Tongpen La, the MLA said, “On behalf of the people of Tawang, I pay my deepest tribute to Subedar Joginder Singh and all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives defending Tawang in 1962. It is unimaginable to think of their courage—fighting in snow-covered mountains against a far larger and better-equipped enemy, yet standing firm in their duty to protect our motherland.”
He further expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the personnel of the Tawang Brigade, paramilitary forces, and district security agencies for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding Tawang.
The MLA also called upon the youth to remember the supreme sacrifices of the nation’s heroes and to draw inspiration from their courage and devotion to duty.
Upon reaching Bumla Pass, the MLA and participants offered floral tributes at the symbolic heap of stones memorial, a revered site commemorating the bravery of Indian soldiers.
The rally then made its return journey to Tawang, completing the challenging mountain route successfully.
The event witnessed the participation of 23 riders, including personnel from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), officers from the District Administration led by Addl DC Rinchin Leta, and officials from the District Police headed by SP Dr DW Thongon.
The rally stood as a powerful gesture of remembrance and unity, reaffirming the people of Tawang’s deep reverence for the valiant soldiers who defended the nation’s honour amid the icy heights of the Himalayas in 1962.
